In Afghanistan, seven men were flogged for selling and consuming alcohol, among other things.
The seven accused confessed to their crimes and were each sentenced to 35 lashes, the Supreme Court said on Wednesday.
The men were charged with various crimes, including stealing a car.
Five of them were additionally sentenced to six months imprisonment.
According to court spokesman Abdul Basir Maschal, it was the first court ruling of this kind since the radical Islamist Taliban took power last August.
However, floggings have since taken place without a court warrant, according to reports online, which cannot be independently verified.
The punishment was reminiscent of the tough actions taken by the Taliban during their first rule from 1996 to 2001. At that time, the Islamists practiced a strict interpretation of Islamic law, Sharia.
Even minor offenses were punished with public flogging and executions: thieves had their hands cut off, women accused of adultery were stoned to death.
After taking power, the Taliban promised a more moderate approach.
In the past eight months, however, they have curtailed numerous freedoms, especially for women.